Rob M. P. Goverde’s research while affiliated with Delft University of Technology and other places

Employing regenerative braking in trains contributes to reducing the amount of energy used, especially when applied to commuter trains and to those used on very dense suburban networks. This paper presents a method to fine-tune the periodic timetable to improve the utilization of regenerative energy and to shave power peaks while maintaining the structure and robustness of the original timetable. First, a mixed-integer linear programming model based on the periodic event scheduling framework is proposed. A set of feasible timetables is determined and optimized with the aim of increasing synchronized acceleration and braking events at the same station, and maintaining the timetable robustness at the specified level. Next, a local search algorithm is developed to optimize the timetable such that the power peak value is minimized. The max-plus system model is adopted to estimate the delay propagation. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the utilization of regenerative energy and power peaks in random delayed circumstances. The proposed method was adopted to fine-tune the 2019 timetable for a sub-network of the Dutch railway. In the case of on- time scenarios, the optimized timetable increases the regenerative energy usage by almost 290% and decreases the 15-minute power peaks by 8.5%. In the case of delay scenarios, the optimized timetable outperforms the original timetable in terms of using regenerative energy and shaving power peaks.

Non-electrified regional railway lines with typically employed diesel-electric multiple units require alternative propulsion systems to meet increasingly strict emissions regulations. With the aim to identify an optimal alternative to conventional diesel traction, this paper presents a model-based assessment of hydrogen-powered propulsion systems with an internal combustion engine or fuel cells as the prime mover, combined with different energy storage system configurations, based on lithium-ion batteries and/or double-layer capacitors. The analysis encompasses technology identification, design, modelling and assessment of alternative powertrains, explicitly considering case-related constraints imposed by the infrastructure, technical and operational requirements. Using a regional railway network in the Netherlands as a case, we investigate the possibilities in converting a conventional benchmark vehicle and provide the railway undertaking and decision-makers with valuable input for planning of future rolling stock investments. The results indicate the highest fuel-saving potential for fuel cell-based hybrid propulsion systems with lithium-ion battery or a hybrid energy storage system that combines both energy storage system technologies. The two configurations also demonstrate the highest reduction of greenhouse gas emissions compared to the benchmark diesel-driven vehicle, by about 25% for hydrogen produced by steam methane reforming, and about 19% for hydrogen obtained from electrolysis of water with grey electricity.